The Role of Islet Transplantation to Treat Diabetes
Background:
Islet transplantation is a procedure where healthy islets are separated from a donor pancreas then transplanted into patients with diabetes. The transplanted islets replace the cells required to normalize blood sugars – cells that have already been lost because of the onset of diabetes. Instead of major surgery, the procedure is performed in a radiology suite under local anesthesia.
Research Focus:
In multi-center clinical trials, DRI and other researchers have demonstrated that patients with long-standing diabetes could achieve insulin independence following infusions of insulin-producing islet cells. Several landmark studies have validated the promise of islet transplantation and represent a big step in the global effort to find a diabetes cure.
Leading to a Cure: How this Research Supports our Mission
Though progress has been substantial, islet transplantation remains an experimental procedure and we are working to overcome the remaining challenges that limit the procedure’s widespread use. Among these challenges are eliminating the need for long-term immunosuppression, developing a plentiful supply of insulin-producing cells, and creating an optimal environment for the cells to thrive.
Here at the DRI, our islet transplant studies will continue to focus on overcoming those remaining challenges. By improving the safety and long-term success of cell replacement therapies, we will move closer to our goal: to cure those living with diabetes.